WO2004038666A1

WO2004038666A1 - System architecture enabling communication between intelligent and other electronic card handling devices and central servers on data transfer networks

Info

Publication number: WO2004038666A1
Application number: PCT/HU2003/000086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zoltán Gulyás; Zsolt Erdei; Gárbor UNYI
Original assignee: Comfort-Netshare Kft.
Priority date: 2002-10-28
Filing date: 2003-10-28
Publication date: 2004-05-06
Also published as: HU224671B1; HU0203634D0; EP1570444A1; WO2004038666B1; HUP0203634A2; AU2003276491A1

Abstract

The subject of this invention is a system architecture linking intelligent and other electronic card handling devices to central servers on data transfer networks, consisting of at least one electronic card handling device possessing an alterable operating program and a central server. Characteristic of the invention are the features that the electronic card handling device (K1) is connected through a serial interface (S) to a device server (B1) with an independent, internally known IP address and an alterable operating program, which is thus capable of handling special data communications and protocols; that the device server (B1) is connected through a network communications link (H) to a central server (SZ), which also possesses an alterable operating program and which supports IP or TCP/IP protocols; and that a data communications management program is operated between the electronic card handling device (K1) and the device server (B1) through a serial interface (S) and between the device server (B1) and the central server (SZ) through a network communications link (H).

Description

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE ENABLING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN

INTELLIGENT AND OTHER ELECTRONIC CARD HANDLING DEVICES AND

CENTRAL SERVERS ON DATA TRANSFER NETWORKS

The invention described below involves a system architecture for facilitating communication between intelligent and other electronic card handling devices and central servers on data transfer networks, which may be used to advantage in banks, shops, department stores, commercial units, petrol stations, money changing facilities, and any other place where intelligent or other electronic cards are used to enact payment in place of cash, or where points may be earned with purchase.

It is a well-known fact that it has recently become increasingly common to enact payment by means of an intelligent or other electronic card in place of cash, for reasons of both convenience and the reduction of cash circulation. This mode of payment involves the use of POS (Point-of-Sale) terminals. A POS terminal is a device that reads magnetic or chip cards, sending the data it reads from the card (such as the card's sixteen-digit identification number) to a central computer, and receiving any data the central computer sends back. In addition, it also prepares a receipt on some type of media that serves to verify documentation of the transaction.

Several solutions for facilitating communication between POS terminals are currently known. Previously, 1200 bps POS terminals were connected through RS 232 serial ports to the communications centre of a given location. The deficiency in this solution is that it allows for cabling to a maximum distance of only 100 m.

Another solution involves integrating POS terminals with APS devices, concentrating data traffic toward an X.25 packet-linked network. A communications centre set up at the site of the POS service communicates with either the nearby bank branch office and through that, with the bank's central computer, or directly with the central computer itself. Communication occurs by radio, VSAT, or leased or serial modem. Data reach the bank's central exchange through an X.25 Node or HDT unit (VSAT), where they are processed by a TANDEM central computer. Transactions, on the other hand, are carried out by a host computer connected to the X.25 network.

In addition, experiments have been conducted using a TCP-X.25 POS Gateway to facilitate

POS terminal communication over a TCP IP interface, but these have been unsuccessful, because the TCP/IP connection can be produced only locally, and thus use of an X.25 data transfer network is still necessary.

In summary, it may be established that the deficiencies inherent in currently known solutions are the following:

- communication is slow, below the tolerance level of the average person,

- the X.25 data transmission system is obsolete and quite expensive to use,

- data proceeds through several pieces of equipment, thus increasing the probability of error,

- heterogeneous equipment must be used, which requires a higher degree of technical expertise on the part of operators,

- the equipment is expensive, with operators able to make modifications and expansion only at high additional costs.

This invention seeks to eliminate the deficiencies inherent in previously known solutions and to create a system architecture that may be used to implement a direct TCP/IP data connection and thus facilitate communication between POS terminals and central computers, such as significantly increases the speed of POS terminal transactions, allows for faster programming and program updates, ensures availability from any location in the world, increases the actual time of system availability, allows for secure operations, is highly reliable, uses less power, is easy to expand, requires fewer personnel, and can be produced and operated economically. The solution according to this invention is based on the recognition that if we create a system architecture possessing a central server and at least one electronic card handling device with an alterable operating program, such that the electronic card handling device possesses a serial port and is connected through a serial interface to a device server possessing both an independent, internally known IP address and an alterable operating program and that is thus suitable for handling special data connections and protocols; and such that the device server is then connected using some means of network communication to a central server that also possesses an alterable operating program and supports IP or TCP CP protocols; and furthermore such that a data transfer communications management program is operated between the electronic card handling device and the device server through the serial interface, and between the device server and the central server through the network communication link; then the resulting system architecture, which connects intelligent and other electronic card handling devices to a central server over a data transfer network, fulfils the stated objectives. The invention thus has as its object a system architecture for the connection of intelligent and other electronic card handling devices to central servers on data transfer networks, which possesses a central server and at least one electronic card handling device with an alterable operating program. Characterising this architecture are the features that the electronic card handling device is connected through a serial interface to a device server possessing both an independent, internally known IP address and an alterable operating program and that is thus suitable for handling special data communication and protocols; that the device server is connected in turn through a network communication link to a central server that also possesses an alterable operating program and that supports IP or TCP/IP protocols; and that a data transfer communication management program is operated between the electronic card handling device and the device server through the serial interface and between the device server and the central server through network communication links.

One preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention consists of n electronic card handling devices, preferably POS terminals, linked through RS 232 or RS 422, or RS 485 serial interfaces to n suitable device servers. In this embodiment, the n device servers are strung together directly by means of n short, preferably 1 to 30-m Ethernet cables connected to a switch, preferably an Ethernet n-port switch, with the n-port switch connected to the central server through a single network communications link, preferably consisting of an Ethernet cable.

In another preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, the n device servers are strung together indirectly through n local network communication links consisting preferably of Ethernet cables to a switch, preferably an Ethernet n-port switch, that is incorporated into the central server. In a third preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, the n electronic card handling devices are connected through n serial interfaces to a rack constructed in a central location, therein to n embedded board-level device servers, to these a switch, preferably an Ethernet n-port switch, is connected by means of n local network communication links consisting of n short, preferably 1-m long Ethernet cables, with the Ethernet n-port switch in turn connected to the central server.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, multiple electronic card handling devices are integrated through a single device server by connecting n electronic card handling devices, preferably 32 POS terminals, to the device server via parallel cabling through n serial interfaces capable of handling a master/slave connection, and connecting the device server through a local network communication link, preferably consisting of a single Ethernet cable, to a central server.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, multiple electronic card handling devices are integrated through a device server possessing multiple serial ports by connecting n electronic card handling devices, preferably 32 POS terminals, to the device server across n serial interfaces, preferably by means of 32 short, serial cables, thus ensuring a serial data transfer connection, and connecting the device server through a local network communication link, preferably consisting of a single Ethernet cable, to a central server.

In a sixth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention applicable when embedded devices are used, the device servers are coupled to the electronic card handling devices through interfaces, preferably their serial interfaces, while the electronic card handling devices are connected to the central computer through a switch using a means of network communication preferably provided by Ethernet cable. In a further preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, the n device servers possess an IP address that makes it possible for the device servers to be accessed from anywhere in the world, including preferably via Internet. In a further preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, network communication between the n device servers may be local, may employ a large-scale network, may be accomplished with or without cabling, may be accomplished via linked or leased lines, may be DSL-based, may employ radio communication, or may employ microwaves.

We now describe the solution according to this invention in more detail based on the following drawings:

Figure 1 shows the abstract block diagram of the system architecture according to this invention; Figure 2 shows the block diagram for a preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which the device servers are strung directly together; Figure 3 shows the abstract block diagram for another preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which the device servers are strung together indirectly and which includes a central server with an integrated Ethernet n-port switch; Figure 4 shows the abstract block diagram for a third preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which the device servers are strung together indirectly and a rack construction is used; Figure 5 shows the abstract block diagram for a fourth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which multiple electronic card handling devices are integrated with a single device server; Figure 6 shows the abstract block diagram for a fifth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which multiple card handling devices are integrated with a device server possessing multiple serial ports; and Figure 7 shows the system architecture according to this invention on a block diagram for the use of multiple board-level device servers in electronic card handling devices.

Figure 1 shows the abstract block diagram for the system architecture according to this invention, having at least one operating electronic card handling device Kl and one server SZ possessing an alterable program. The electronic card handling device Kl is connected through a serial interface S to the device server BI, which possesses an internally known, alterable operating program; the device server BI is connected via a network communications link H to a central server SZ; and a data transfer communications management program is operated between the electronic card handling device Kl and the device server BI through a serial interface S and between the device server BI and the central server SZ through a network communications link H. Figure 2 shows the abstract block diagram for a preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, which serves to string n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn together directly. The n electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn are preferably POS terminals, connected through n RS 232, RS 422, orRS 485 serial interfaces SI, S2, ..., Snto n suitable device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn. The n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn are strung directly together using n short, preferably between 1 and 30-m, Ethernet cable network communications links HI, H2, ..., Hn to a switch SW, preferably an Ethernet n-port switch. The n-port switch SW is then connected to a central server SZ by means of a single network communications link H, preferably consisting of Ethernet cable. The advantage of stringing together n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn directly in this way is that we may significantly decrease the amount of cabling used, as the cables must be linked to the central server SZ only once, rather than n times.

Figure 3 shows the abstract block diagram for another preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which the n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn are strung together indirectly by means of an Ethernet n-port switch SW incorporated into a central server SZ. The n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn are connected to the switch SW, preferably an Ethernet n-port switch SW, incorporated into the central server SZ through n local network communication links HI, H2, ..., Hn formed of n preferably Ethernet cables. In this preferred embodiment, n Ethernet cables of a maximum length of 100 m lead from the n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn to the Ethernet n-port switch SW fashioned within the central server SZ, from which point signals proceed through a single Ethernet cable to the central server SZ itself.

Figure 4 shows the abstract block diagram for a third preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which the n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn are strung together indirectly and whose construction involves the use of a rack R. The n electronic card handling devices Kl, Ks, ..., Kn are connected through n serial interfaces SI, S2, ..., Sn to a rack R constructed at a central location, therein to n embedded board-level device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn, to these a switch SW, preferably an Ethernet n-port switch SW, is connected by means of n local network communication links HI, H2, ..., Hn formed of n short, preferably maximum 1-m long Ethernet cables, with the Ethernet n-port switch SW in turn connected to the central server SZ.

Figure 5 shows the abstract block diagram for a fourth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to the present invention, in which multiple electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, where n is at most 32 are integrated through a single device server BI. The n electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, preferably consisting of 32 POS terminals, are connected to the device server BI using parallel cabling through n, maximum 32, RS 485 serial interfaces SI, S2, ..., Sn, which are capable of managing a master/slave connection. The device server BI is connected in turn to a central server SZ over a local network communication link H, preferably constructed using a single Ethernet cable.

Figure 6 shows the abstract block diagram for a fifth preferred embodiment of the system architecture according to this invention, in which multiple electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn are integrated with a device server BI possessing multiple serial ports. The n electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, preferably consisting of 32 POS terminals, are connected to the device server BI through n serial interfaces SI, S2, ..., Sn capable of providing a serial data transfer connection, preferably consisting of 32 short, serial cables, while the device server BI is connected in turn to the central server SZ through a local network communication link H preferably constructed using a single Ethernet cable. This preferred embodiment of the invention allows for the integration of one device server BI with 32 POS terminals. Between the 32 electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn and the device server BI, 32 short cables are installed.

Figure 7 shows the system architecture according to this invention on a block diagram for the use of multiple embedded board-level device servers in electronic card handling devices. The device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn, which are coupled to the electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn through serial interfaces SI, S2, ..., Sn, are embedded at board-level, and are connected to the central server SZ a local network communications link H constructed using an Ethernet switch SW.

The system architecture according to this invention functions such that the operating program, which enables the management of at least one device server BI or n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn and at least one electronic card-handling device Kl or n electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, is fed in through the network communication link H, preferably between the single device server BI or n device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn and the central server SZ, and the device servers are given unique IP addresses. Since they are programmable, they are suitable for handling special data communication and protocols. The electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, which also possess alterable operating programs and are preferably POS terminals, can communicate through the serial ports. Between the electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn and device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn are n serial interfaces SI, S2, ..., Sn, which may preferably be of the type RS 232, RS 422, or RS 485. If RS-442 or RS 485 interfaces are used, this allows multiple electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn to be connected to one device server BI. (For RS-422 interfaces 10 devices, while for RS 485 interfaces 32 devices may be connected to a single device server BI.) The serial interfaces SI, S2, .,., Sn may also include converters or signal amplifiers. The device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn are allow for the connection of equipment bearing serial ports, such as electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, preferably even POS terminals, to the Ethernet network. Since the device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn each have an independent IP address and are programmable, direct data communication between the central server SZ and the POS terminals may be effected. In one preferred implementation of the device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn, they are given an address that allows them to be accessed from any location in the world, preferably including through the Internet. The device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn may be external device servers outfitted with network adapters (such as the UDS- 10-02) or embedded (board- level) device servers (such as the UDS 10B or COBOX-MICRO). If the device servers are constructed to be embedded into other equipment, then they may be built into either the electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn or may be collected into a group that may be installed into a rack R, as seen in Figure 4. Connection between the device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn and the central server SZ is implemented through a single network communications link H or through n network communications links HI, H2, ..., Hn, which may be either a local or large-scale network, cable, wire-less, connected or leased-liαe, DSL-based, radio, or microwave link. Where no communications link with an Ethernet connection exists, this intermediate data communications link must be constructed.

The central server SZ also possesses an operable, alterable program and supports IP or TCP/IP protocols. Its job is to receive information from the smart card and, after receiving authorisation, to send information to the electronic card handling devices Kl, K2, ..., Kn, by which process the data communication link is created. If the card used may not be authorised on the given central server SZ, then the server forwards the information to the server involved. In one preferred implementation of the program that runs in the device servers BI, B2, ..., Bn, the program is written in source language and serves to re-control the COBOX UDS- 10 type server in the course of managing the POS terminals. For instance, the program sets the status of LED' s for the purposes of discovering errors (the diagnostic LED indicates, for example, the connection to the BASE24 banking system, while the status LED indicates the connection to the serial port, as well as the type of port) and individual serial port settings, produces the error check function in the bank message, carries out initialisation of the TCP/IP connection and buffer allocation, and manages and interprets various messages (X.25 PD, BASE 24).

The equipment according to this invention has achieved its set objectives, while offering the following advantages:

- The speed of transactions at POS terminals may increase significantly, by at least 50%. (In the event the speed of the POS terminal in the direction of the device servers is not restricted to 1200 bps, but is authorised for at least 9600 bps, then transaction speed may be increased by as much as 200%);

- POS terminals may be set up and their programs updated more quickly. In this case, too, an increased speed of 50-200% may be attained;

- the entire architecture requires significantly less technical equipment, so the probability of an error or fault occurring is decreased; The distance between a given POS terminal and the central server can be arbitrarily large; the POS terminal may be made accessible from any location in the world; the accessibility of the POS terminals can be made independent, so that it does not necessarily require an X.25 data transfer network; the availability of the POS terminals is enhanced, as the data communication links each represent one alternative; the POS terminals may be operated more securely, since the device servers are capable of protecting data communication with special procedures so that unauthorised users may not access the system; technical security is also enhanced, since the equipment servers are capable of protecting data communication with special procedures so that unauthorised users may not access the system; technical security is also enhanced, since the program in the device servers runs on memory, eliminating the necessity for computer gateways or mechanically moving parts that break down more frequently; less energy is used, since fewer pieces of equipment use less power; the number of pieces of equipment may be easily expanded: there is no need for extra expansion of special equipment if we wish to increase the number of POS terminals used; the need for human resources is also decreased, since the job is done by fewer pieces of equipment from a more homogeneous set of devices; the complex investment costs of commissioning a new POS terminal are less; and it uses less energy; and requires less a lesser degree of air-conditioning; the architecture may be operated at lower payroll costs; the cost of data communication is less; and more customers will use bank cards, due to speeded transaction processing times. LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

K card handling device

B device server

S serial interface

SZ central server

SW switch

H local network communications link

R rack

Claims

1.) A system architecture for enabling communication between intelligent and other electronic card handling devices to a central server on data transfer networks, which consists of at least one electronic card handling device possessing an alterable operating program and a central server, characterised by the electronic card handling device (Kl) is connected through a serial interface (S) to a device server (BI) with an internally known, independent IP address and an alterable operating program that is thus capable of handling special data communications and protocols; the device server (BI) is connected through a network communications link (H) to a central server (SZ) that also possesses an alterable operating program and that supports IP or TCP/IP protocols; and a data communications management program is operated through a serial interface (S) between the electronic card handling device (Kl) and the device server (BI) and across a network communications link (H) between the device server (BI) and the central server (SZ).

2.) The system architecture according to claim 1, characterised by the n electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn), preferably POS terminals, are connected through RS 232, or RS 422, or RS 485 serial interfaces (SI, S2, ..., Sn) to n suitable device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn), strung together directly through n network communication links (HI, H2, ..., Hn) consisting of n short, preferably 1 to 30-m Ethernet cables, to a switch (SW), preferably an Ethernet n-port switch (SW), that is connected to a central server (SZ) through a single network communications link (H) preferably of Ethernet cable.

3.) The system architecture according to claim 1, characterised by the n device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn) are strung together indirectly through n local network communication links (HI, H2, ..., Hn), preferably consisting of n Ethernet cables, to a switch (SW), preferably an Ethernet n-port switch (SW), that is incorporated into the central server (SZ).

4.) The system architecture according to claim 1, characterised by the n electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn) are connected through n serial interfaces (Si, S2, ..., Sn) to a rack (R) constructed in a central location, therein to n embedded board-level device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn), while to these a switch (SW), preferably an Ethernet n-port switch (SW), is connected by means of n local network communication links (HI, H2, ..., Hn) formed of n short, preferably maximum 1-m long Ethernet cables, with the Ethernet n-port switch (SW) in turn connected to the central server (SZ).

5.) The system architecture according to claim 1, characterised by multiple electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn) are integrated through a single device server (BI), such that the n electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn), preferably consisting of 32 POS terminals, are connected using parallel cabling through n serial interfaces (SI, S2, ..., Sn) capable of managing a master/slave relationship to the device server (BI), while the device server (BI) is connected to the central server (SZ) through a local network communication link (H), preferably consisting of a single Ethernet cable.

6.) The system architecture according to claim 1, characterised by multiple electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn) are integrated through a single device server (BI) with multiple serial ports , such that the n electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn), preferably consisting of 32 POS terminals, are connected through n serial interfaces (SI, S2, ..., Sn), such as ensure a serial data transmission link and preferably formed of 32 short serial cables, to the device server (BI), and the device server (BI) is in turn connected through a local network communication link (H), preferably consisting of a single Ethernet cable, to the central server (SZ).

7.) The system architecture according to claim 1, characterised by for the use of embedded board-level devices, the device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn) are coupled to the electronic card handling devices (Kl, K2, ..., Kn) through their serial interfaces (SI, S2, ..., Sn), and the device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn) are connected to the central computer (SZ) through a network communications link (H), preferably of Ethernet cable.

8.) The system architecture according to any of claims 1-7, characterised by the n device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn) each possess an IP address that allows the device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn) to be accessed from any location in the world, preferably including over the Internet.

9.) The system architecture according to any of claims 1-8, characterised by the network communications link (H) between the n device servers (BI, B2, ..., Bn) and the central server (SZ) may be of the local, large-scale network, cabled or wireless, linked or leased-line, DSL- based, radio, or microwave type.